Real Madrid have the funds ready to make a summer move for Gareth Bale

Real Madrid have the financial resources to take Gareth Bale to the Bernabeu this summer, according to former club president Ramon Calderon.

Bale’s future is football’s hottest talking point after his sensational performances this season have propelled Spurs into the top three of the Premier League.

The 23-year-old was at it again on Monday night, scoring twice – including a stunning late winner – as Andre Villas-Boas’ men fought from behind to beat West Ham 3-2 at Upton Park.

Bale is now being talked about in the same bracket as Barcelona’s Lionel Messi and Madrid’s own Cristiano Ronaldo, attracting the attention of every big club in Europe.

Expectant: Former Madrid president Ramon Calderon

The Welshman only signed a new four-year contract last summer and it would require an astronomical fee, expected to be in the region of £40-50million, to prise him away from north London.

However, former Madrid supremo Calderon believes Real are well placed to afford anything Spurs ask for and expects the club’s current president Florentino Perez to make his move at the end of the season.

‘I think he is a fantastic player. He is one of those players you would always like to have in your team,’ Calderon told Talksport.

‘It’s true we have spent a lot of money in the last three or four years but I think we are in a position to pay the money they are going to ask for.

‘There is always a limit but Real Madrid is in a very healthy situation, economically speaking, so it would be in the position to sign him.

‘I’m sure it will be a high amount of money because he is a fantastic player. A lot of clubs would like to have him.’